The hallways were filled with familiar faces when alumni returned for Reunion 2026 on Friday, May 1. It was a full day of celebration, offering alumni the chance to connect, explore campus and meet current students, and rediscover the joy of being on campus.
To kick off the day, alumni from classes ranging from 1958 to 2021 broke bread and heard from Interim Head of School Sarah Pelmas. Pelmas spoke to the history of the school, emphasizing how Beaver alumni reflect the values and founding principles of founder Mabel Warren Bradley. She also shared stories from the classroom, updates on the class of 2026, and what she’s learned from the school year so far.
Alumni stepped back into the classroom to see students in action. During a philosophy class led by Kader Adjout, alumni joined in as students debated ethical dilemmas and discussed the moral framing of their decisions. At a rehearsal for an instrumental ensemble led by Ana Norgaard and Debra Kreisberg, alumni previewed various pieces that were later performed at the Upper School Choral and Instrumental Concert. Opportunities to see a rehearsal for Chicago and an Upper School varsity baseball game also offered a look back at life as a Beaver student.
Reunion was welcoming, and so much fun. The nostalgia kicked in as soon as I got there. It was awesome seeing my classmates and getting to share stories and laughs.
Paul Cooley '96
Returning to campus allowed alumni to share their experiences and expertise with students. During a particularly impactful gathering, Ciara Dillion ’16 and Fedna Jacquet ’06 met with performing arts students to detail their careers in entertainment. Students asked questions on a variety of topics ranging from memorable set experiences to the process of finding and working with an agent. Ciara and Fedna pointed to their time at Beaver—specifically with Jennifer Yolles and the performing arts department—as foundational to their careers.
“I feel so energized now,” one student reflected after the presentation. “Hearing from them makes me want to pursue acting.”
The day culminated in an all alumni reception in Bradley Hall, bringing even more alumni and community members together in celebration. Classmates reunited, teachers reconnected with former students, and stories were exchanged over dinner.
The evening continued with an alumni panel hosted by seniors Rylee Barnwell ’26 and Neal Mahidhar ’26 featuring Ariel Brown ’96, Fedna Jacquet ’06, Dave Madan ’01, and Andy Spellman ’96, P’26, ’27, ’28. Panelists discussed their careers and reflected on their time at Beaver, touching on how their experiences at the school shaped the paths they went on to pursue ranging from performing arts to entrepreneurship to healthcare.
The program concluded with the presentation of the 2026 Beaver Alumni Award to Andy Spellman ’96, P’26, ’27, ’28. Founder of Fifth Down Capital and an entrepreneur and investor focused on supporting founders and their vision, Andy remains deeply engaged with Beaver as a speaker, mentor, class expert, and internship host. In his remarks, he reflected on the impact of a Beaver education on himself and on his kids.
Reunion 2026 welcomed alumni representing more than sixty years of graduating classes. Through campus tours, student conversations, and reunions with peers, the day served as a reminder of the lasting community that is central to the Beaver experience.